Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has announced an investigation into USA Fencing after the organization disqualified female competitor Stephanie Turner for refusing to compete against a transgender athlete. The decision, according to Attorney General Paxton, may constitute a violation of Texas consumer protection laws, and his office has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to gather documentation related to the incident.
Turner, who kneeled in protest rather than engage in the match, was disqualified for her actions. She kneeled in protest instead of competing against Edmond Sullivan, a 20-year-old trans athlete who was born biologically male.
Her decision, the attorney general argues, reflects growing concerns over the fairness of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, which is a debate that has gained traction nationwide.
“USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law due to violations of Texas consumer protection laws,” the attorney general said in a press release.
The investigation aims to determine whether USA Fencing engaged in false, deceptive, or misleading acts or practices, and whether its policies undermine the rights of female athletes in Texas and beyond.
“USA Fencing’s policies are not only potentially illegal, but also deeply insulting to the young women like Stephanie Turner who have sacrificed so much and dedicated countless hours to compete and succeed in competitions,” Attorney General Paxton continued. “I will fight to stop these unfair policies, and I will never back down from defending the integrity of women’s sports.”
Attorney General Paxton’s investigation is the latest in a series of actions taken by Texas officials to push back against policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in female divisions.
